Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

mahatmakanejeeves

(60,654 posts)
Tue Jan 5, 2021, 10:50 AM Jan 2021

Parker: Trumpism has become a cult

Hat tip, a friend for decades, who read part of this to me in a phone call the other night.

You might have seen Andy Parker on 60 Minutes last weekend.

Parker: Trumpism has become a cult

Andy Parker Dec 31, 2020



The Trump store in Boones Mill.

Courtesy of Andy Parker

Several years ago, I read with astonishment about the cult mentality permeating Scientology in the book, “Going Clear.” It chronicled a philosophy of indoctrination that rendered its followers incapable of rational thought. I never thought I’d see that kind of madness catch on in anything other than a fringe in society.

Yet here we are with a cult of millions that make Scientologists look like mainstream Methodists. Many live in the commonwealth and constitute a majority in rural Virginia. You see it the yard signs that still remain up, or the former church in Boones Mill that’s been repurposed as a Trump store, “its” altar paradoxically transformed.

Joe Biden suggested he wants to reach out to these folks and unify the nation. It’s a noble idea, but he has as much chance of succeeding as extending a hand to a rabid dog. Amanda Chase, seeking the GOP nomination for governor, is an example of what to expect. She just called for martial law to overturn the election. Two of her close followers were arrested in Pennsylvania for plotting to attack a ballot counting station. Why, they are just “law abiding” citizens, just like the ones you saw parading around Richmond last January, or the ones who tried to kidnap the governor of Michigan. Gun worship and its conspiracy theory paranoia is part of the cult’s mantra. (By the way, after your rousing success creating these snowflake 2A sanctuary cities and counties, how many of you folks have had your weapons confiscated by Ralph Northam? Yea, that’s what I thought.)

To be sure, there are former cult members that finally realized they were conned. But the hardcore 30% will always be with him, and Trumpism will be with us even after he leaves office. Because real facts aren’t really their facts. They even turned their ire on their favorite Fox News mouthpieces like Tucker Carlson and Laura Ingraham because they broke the news that yes, in fact, Trump lost.

{snip}

Parker, of Henry County, is the father of the late WDBJ-TV journalist Alison Parker.
3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Parker: Trumpism has become a cult (Original Post) mahatmakanejeeves Jan 2021 OP
Mandatory De-Programming For Every One Of Them DanieRains Jan 2021 #1
Great article. Lots of responses. His daughter was killed on live TV. underpants Jan 2021 #2
This reality needs exposure, thanks for posting. appalachiablue Jan 2021 #3
 

DanieRains

(4,619 posts)
1. Mandatory De-Programming For Every One Of Them
Tue Jan 5, 2021, 10:56 AM
Jan 2021

Or prison for reckless endangerment or attempted murder.

Choose one.

underpants

(186,377 posts)
2. Great article. Lots of responses. His daughter was killed on live TV.
Tue Jan 5, 2021, 11:06 AM
Jan 2021

In 2015.

A very bold and thorough article by Mr. Parker. Lots of good supportive responses on the link.

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Virginia»Parker: Trumpism has beco...